Horizontal Sheath Options for Spyderco UKPK Salt?

[OliCar]

Hi all,

I’ve recently picked up a Spyderco UKPK Salt LC200N as my main EDC and I’m looking for a good way to carry it on my belt — ideally in a horizontal setup for scout or cross-draw carry.

Does anyone here have any suggestions for a decent horizontal sheath, pouch, or belt carry system that fits the UKPK well? I'm open to leather or Kydex, and bonus points if it's UK-made.

I've seen a few options made for the Para 3 and PM2 but wasn't sure if anything like that would fit the slimmer UKPK Salt.

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

— Adam

 

[C_Claycomb]

You do mean, carry in the closed position, correct?

I have three UKPKs, used to have an original before losing it out of a pocket and I have never seen anything like what you describe.

Easy enough to find vertical leather sheaths for Para, Endura 4etc. Belt sheaths get used when folding knives are too heavy, too thick, too long or too lumpy to fit in a pocket. The UKPK is light, thin, not that long and not that lumpy, hence it being unlikely there will be many ready made options. I have seen Kydex for Spyderco folders to hang around a neck, but that is different.

What is your objective with belt carry? Fast deployment, stronger or more secure retention than pocket clipped, preventing pocket wear, easier accessibility…something else?

 

[Stew]

I have one. I’ll try remember to dig it out for a pic!

 

[OliCar]

You do mean, carry in the closed position, correct?

I have three UKPKs, used to have an original before losing it out of a pocket and I have never seen anything like what you describe.

Easy enough to find vertical leather sheaths for Para, Endura 4etc. Belt sheaths get used when folding knives are too heavy, too thick, too long or too lumpy to fit in a pocket. The UKPK is light, thin, not that long and not that lumpy, hence it being unlikely there will be many ready made options. I have seen Kydex for Spyderco folders to hang around a neck, but that is different.

What is your objective with belt carry? Fast deployment, stronger or more secure retention than pocket clipped, preventing pocket wear, easier accessibility…something else?

Yes, definitely — I’m only ever carrying the knife in its folded position.

I work at heights, often in a harness, so I need to have everything properly attached to my person for safety and practicality. My pockets are already in use for other gear and tools, and I’d prefer to keep the knife out of them to avoid clutter and reduce risk of losing it.

A belt sheath or clip setup would work well, but I’m concerned that a vertical sheath could catch on my harness or other kit while climbing or working. That’s why I’m leaning toward a horizontal carry — it would sit more flush to the belt, be less obtrusive, and less likely to get snagged.

Appreciate the insight though, and you’re right — the UKPK is light and slim enough that I can see why most people stick to pocket or clip carry. I might end up going down the custom route if I can’t find something ready-made that fits the bill.

 

[OliCar]

I have one. I’ll try remember to dig it out for a pic!

Amazing, thank you.

 

[Nice65]

I was a tree surgeon for many years and found the mountaineering knives absolute crap and adopted a Griptilian or Tenacious. If clipped they’d get hooked out all the time, a neck lanyard was foolhardy, so I like your thinking. Only thing with a belt/lap harness is the knife getting squashed and digging in. I’d try to get something designed that’ll bolt to a TekLok type clip so you can choose your angle, or even easily move to a harness strap though it adds bulk.



@beachlover got a kydex sheath made to his design for a Lionsteel B35. The Lionsteel sheaths are a bit rubbish in that the blade drags across the leather. He used an eBay or Etsy guy that was apparently very good to deal with. Hopefully he’ll see this tag and chime in. He’s quiet at the moment on here, spends much of his time out fishing

 

[OliCar]

I was a tree surgeon for many years and found the mountaineering knives absolute crap and adopted a Griptilian or Tenacious. If clipped they’d get hooked out all the time, a neck lanyard was foolhardy, so I like your thinking. Only thing with a belt/lap harness is the knife getting squashed and digging in. I’d try to get something designed that’ll bolt to a TekLok type clip so you can choose your angle, or even easily move to a harness strap though it adds bulk.

View attachment 96069

@beachlover got a kydex sheath made to his design for a Lionsteel B35. The Lionsteel sheaths are a bit rubbish in that the blade drags across the leather. He used an eBay or Etsy guy that was apparently very good to deal with. Hopefully he’ll see this tag and chime in. He’s quiet at the moment on here, spends much of his time out fishing

Thanks for the detailed reply — really helpful stuff, and it’s reassuring to hear that I’m not the only one who’s struggled with knives getting snagged or shifted during work at height. I agree, pocket clips just aren’t practical when you’re climbing or in a harness, and neck lanyards are definitely not my thing either.

I like the sound of the TekLok idea a lot — being able to adjust the angle and mount it to either a belt or harness strap sounds ideal for me. My harness can be a bit bulky so avoiding pressure points or squashing is a real concern, and I think horizontal carry might be the safest and most tucked-away option. I’m definitely leaning toward getting a Kydex sheath made up now.

Appreciate the mention of @beachlover — if he does spot this and is able to share the maker's details, I’d really like to follow that up. Always good to deal with someone who’s been tested by the community and understands how to make sheaths for practical use, not just show.

Thanks again, mate. Much appreciated.